Cervical disc herniation is one of the common diseases in modern people, and it occurs more frequently in people who use smartphones and computers a lot. Many people often ignore neck pain as simple fatigue, but it is very important to recognize the early symptoms of cervical disc herniation in time and receive appropriate treatment. If you ignore the early symptoms, it will gradually worsen and cause great inconvenience in daily life, and in severe cases, it can lead to various symptoms such as arm numbness, headache, and shoulder pain. Therefore, it is most important to quickly recognize the early symptoms of cervical disc herniation, understand the cause, and prevent it.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the early symptoms and causes of cervical disc herniation, and organize prevention and management methods. In addition, we will introduce problems and treatment methods that can occur when cervical disc herniation is left untreated, so please read until the end. It also includes practical habits to maintain a healthy neck, so please refer to it if you usually feel neck pain.
What is cervical disc herniation?
Cervical disc herniation (herniated cervical disc) is a disease in which the disc (intervertebral disc) between the cervical vertebrae (neck bones) is herniated or damaged, compressing the nerves. The disc acts as a shock absorber between the vertebrae, but if it is damaged due to continuous pressure or degenerative changes, it stimulates the nerves and causes pain.
Cervical disc herniation is especially common in office workers, students, and smartphone users who maintain the same posture for long periods of time. In severe cases, the nerves may be compressed, causing numbness in the arms and hands.
Early symptoms of cervical disc herniation
Cervical disc herniation initially starts with mild pain, but symptoms can become more severe over time. It is important to quickly recognize and respond to early symptoms.
1. Stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders
The most common symptom is a persistent stiffness and discomfort in the neck or shoulder area. At first, it can be mistaken for fatigue, but the pain can gradually worsen.
2. Numbness in the arm and paresthesia in the fingertips
If a disc compresses a nerve, numbness in the arm or paresthesia in the fingertips may occur. Symptoms usually appear in one arm, and if they persist for a long time, strength may be weakened.
3. Discomfort when moving the neck
Pain often worsens when turning the neck left and right or moving it up and down. In severe cases, the neck may become stiff and difficult to move freely.
4. Headache and dizziness
If a cervical disc becomes severe, headaches may accompany it, and dizziness or tinnitus (symptoms of hearing noise in the ears) may occur as the neck muscles become tense.
5. Pain in the upper back and around the shoulder blade
A cervical disc does not simply cause pain in the neck, but can also cause pain in the upper back and around the shoulder blade (scapula).
Main causes of cervical disc herniation
1. Incorrect posture
Looking at a smartphone or working on a computer for a long time with your head down puts a lot of strain on the neck. In particular, if you have turtle neck syndrome, you are at a high risk of developing cervical disc herniation.
2. Repetitive use of the neck
Repeated use of the neck during exercise or work can put a strain on the disc. For example, people with jobs such as driving, cooking, and being a hairdresser are at a high risk of cervical disc herniation.
3. Degenerative changes due to aging
As you age, the disc gradually weakens and loses elasticity as it loses moisture. This increases the probability of the disc protruding or being damaged.
4. External impact and accidents
External impacts such as traffic accidents or falls can cause direct damage to the cervical spine and disc. In particular, 'whiplash injury' caused by car accidents often causes cervical disc herniation.
5. Stress and Muscle Tension
If you are stressed or tense for a long time, your neck muscles will become stiff and put a strain on your discs.
How to Prevent and Manage Cervical Disc Herniation
1. Maintaining the Right Posture
When sitting at your desk, keep your back straight and place the monitor at eye level. When using a smartphone, it is important to raise the screen to eye level and not look down.
2. Stretching and Exercise
You should consistently do stretching and exercise to strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles. In particular, 'chin pull exercise' and 'neck rotation exercise' are effective.
3. Avoiding the same posture for long periods of time
Get up from your seat and do light stretching every 30-40 minutes to reduce the strain on your neck.
4. Using the Right Pillow
A pillow that is too high can strain your neck, so it is important to choose a pillow that fits your neck curve.
5. Be Careful with Heavy Objects
When lifting heavy objects, you should be careful because it puts a strain on your neck as well as your back.
6. Improvement of lifestyle habits
Smoking and excessive drinking interfere with blood circulation, which adversely affects the health of the disc. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise are important.
Conclusion
It is important to quickly recognize the early symptoms of cervical disc herniation and practice appropriate prevention and treatment methods. Maintaining the correct posture and improving lifestyle habits for neck health are helpful. If you have persistent pain or numbness, it is advisable to receive a diagnosis from a specialist and begin treatment early.
📌 Related Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What kind of exercise should I do if I have cervical disc herniation? A1. Neck stretching and light muscle strengthening exercises are helpful. However, if the pain is severe, you should consult a specialist before exercising.
Q2. How should I choose a pillow if I have cervical disc herniation? A2. It is recommended to choose a pillow that is not too high or too low and can maintain the natural curve of the neck.
Q3. How to prevent cervical disc herniation when using a smartphone? A3. It is helpful to adjust the screen to eye level and stretch every 30-40 minutes.
Q4. Are cervical disc herniation and turtle neck the same disease? A4. If turtle neck gets worse, it can develop into cervical disc herniation, but they are not completely the same disease.
Q5. If I have cervical disc herniation, do I need surgery? A5. In the early stages, it can be treated with physical therapy and lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Q6. Is cervical disc herniation related to arm numbness? A6. Yes, arm numbness symptoms can occur when the disc compresses the nerve.
Q7. What tests should I take to be diagnosed with cervical disc herniation? A7. You can get an accurate diagnosis through X-ray, MRI, CT scans, etc.
Q8. Is cervical disc herniation curable? A8. Symptoms can be significantly alleviated by improving lifestyle habits and using appropriate treatment.
